Valentine's Day 2024: Stylish restaurants that will impress your dinner date

Tribal

Credit: Tribal

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Nestled within the new Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Tribal beckons diners into a realm where culinary artistry and communal spirit converge. With its name evoking images of ancient gatherings and shared stories, this modern Asian grill offers an unparalleled dining experience inspired by conversations and gatherings that spark around a flame. The modern Asian grill is specially designed by renowned Indonesian architect Andra Matin in collaboration with BYO Living, Tribal transports guests to a Southeast Asian oasis.

As Valentine's Day approaches, Tribal invites couples to savour Executive Chef Keith Wan's new innovative menu that seamlessly blends diverse Asian influences. From tantalising Chinese flavours to the exotic allure of Thai cuisine, each dish is masterfully prepared over wood-fired grills or in a charcoal-fired hearth oven, imparting a unique smoky aroma and taste to the dish. Some of the dishes that you can expect this V'day include the Black Pork topped with rose wine glaze, with sides of napa cabbage; Santori Organic Kampung Chicken with gai yang glaze, seasoned with annatto spice; and the Seo Farm A5 Wagyu Striploin.

83 Neil Road, #01-07, Singapore 089813

La Dame de Pic, Raffles Singapore

Credit: Raffles Hotel Singapore

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La Dame de Pic's soft pink and rich plum hues, complemented by gold textures and geometric interiors, set the stage for an intimate rendezvous. Indulge in a six-course menu crafted by three-Michelin-starred Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, featuring textural spins and nuanced flavours from the season's finest produce.

Savour chef's signature Les Berlingots – pyramidal-shaped pasta filled with Comté, onion consommé, squash, meadowsweet, and sobacha. Delight in the Wild Seabass, a homage to Chef's father, Jacques Pic, crowned with Kristal caviar and enriched with champagne sauce. Conclude with the White Mille-feuille, a unique twist on the French classic, featuring layers of puff pastry, crème pâtissière, grapefruit, batak berry, and hibiscus, topped with rose Chantilly.

For an extra touch, toast to love with a specially crafted cocktail by Chef Sommelier Justin Wee – a creamy milk punch infused with the limited-edition Anne-Sophie Pic gin, elderflower liquor, and hints of Campari.

1 Beach Road, Raffles Hotel Singapore, Singapore 189673

Cé La Vi

Credit: Cé La Vi Singapore

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Elevate your Valentine's Day experience on February 14th as Cé La Vi unfolds its sky-high doors for an exquisite gastronomic journey. Delight in the freshness of Irish Oysters, sourced from the scenic coastlines of Ireland, or taste the rich, piquant flavours with the A4 Miyazaki Striploin.

Conclude your intimate evening with the Valentine's special Pistachio Raspberry and Rose dessert, a sweet ending to the night as you admire the cityscape before you.

1 Bayfront Avenue Marina Bay Sands, Hotel, Tower 3, 018971

Bedrock Bar & Grill

Credit: Bedrock Bar & Grill

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Indulge in a romantic culinary experience at the acclaimed Bedrock Bar & Grill, renowned for its award-winning steaks. Elevate your Valentine's Day celebration with their exclusive 4-course set dinner, which includes a delightful glass of sparkling wine per diner.

The highlight of the menu – the Pepper Crusted Bone-In Wagyu Striploin – promises a sumptuous and satisfying experience. This tender Australian Wagyu is beautifully marbled, and perfectly cooked to a succulent prime.

96 Somerset Rd, #01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, Singapore, Singapore 238163

While Path might not boast a bird's eye view of Singapore's stunning landscape, the welcoming and elegant atmosphere coupled with contemporary interiors create a sophisticated yet cosy setting – perfect for those who are seeking privacy.

Complementing the romantic atmosphere is the restaurant's latest menu, crafted by Executive Chef Marvas Ng. A culinary journey that seamlessly blends East Asian flavours with French finesse, the new eight-course Expedition menu notably emphasises sustainability, showcasing locally sourced seafood from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia to minimise its carbon footprint.

Signature dishes, such as the Sea Cucumber and Japanese Tai, reflect Chef Marvas' innovative twist on familiar flavours. The Straits Bounty features line-caught marble goby fish, pickled white fungus, bamboo fungus, and morel mushrooms in a light fish consommé.

The dining experience is elevated with tableside service, theatrics, and innovative presentation that are sure to impress your plus one. For instance, the 15 Days US Aged Duck is served with locally cultivated lettuce cut tableside from a Singapore urban farm using a sustainable container-style system.

The dessert course, Persimmon, offers a unique frozen and torched preparation, creating a delightful combination of sweet and tart notes.

Optional wine pairings, available as add-ons, feature selections from renowned family-owned wineries worldwide, enhancing the overall dining experience.

12 Marina Boulevard, Tower 3, #01-05/06 Marina Bay Financial Centre, Singapore 018982

Restaurant Chedi might have only just opened its doors earlier in March this year, but it's certainly one to watch. Helmed by chef-owner K-Jin Lim and head chef Miller Mai, the restaurant puts a modern spin on Thai cuisine by adding a contemporary twist to familiar Thai classics.

Served in an eight-course tasting menu (which will change every three months), you can expect dishes such as the som tam salad, a colourful bowl that whets the appetite with greens, herbs and fruits like guava and jackfruit; tom kha gai, chicken wings stuffed with mushroom glutinous rice and foie gras; and gaeng som fak thong, a fiery red curry blended with Japanese pumpkin puree and served with house dry-aged Chilean sea bass.

15 Hamilton Rd, Singapore 209185

This new restaurant at Teck Lim Road specialises in Indian and Japanese fusion cuisine. Chef Vikramjit Roy has got some pretty serious street cred too, having been Japanese Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s protege. The 32-seater restaurant also stands out for its art-focused design. The interior is adorned with contemporary artworks by artists from India, as well as a repurposed fabric sculpture by iconoclastic designer Kallol Datta suspended from its ceiling.

Food-wise, Ahāra offers an ala-carte menu that aims to showcase the diverse flavours and dishes from across India. Some of the dishes you can expect include the Murgh Katambari Tikka, the Katambari Kebab, and Ahara's Almond Kulfi, just a few to name.

20 Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088391

This latest omakase concept by the Les Amis Group is influenced by the ‘kissaten’, which is a Japanese-style teahouse that doubles up as a coffee shop. The food stands out for familiar flavours showcased in novel ways.

For example, the Japanese Sando – a combination of crumbed and deep-fried tamago and pork katsu sandwiched between toasted bread with a dash of wasabi mayo. Also, persimmon-shaped mochi filled with sweet red bean. Couples will appreciate the laid-back interior, low-key mood lighting and relaxed vibe too.

1 Scotts Rd, #01-11 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208

This recent dining concept by Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is all the buzz now. It’s opened by Thai celebrity chef Ian Kittichai – whose flagship Bangkok restaurant Issaya Siamese Club has racked up accolades such as being named as one of ‘Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants’. Diners can expect the use of fresh herbs and fruits harvested daily from RWS’ in-house’ garden. One must-try is its Inch Sausages – Chiang Mai duck sausage served with wild betel leaf, ginger, peanuts and chilli.

 8 Sentosa Gateway, Ave8, 098269

Opened by Drew Nocente, chef-owner of the now defunct Salted & Hung, Cenzo is best for diners who prefer an extensive menu and relaxed atmosphere. The space features plenty of natural light, images of Australian and Italian seacoasts lining its walls and an open kitchen. On the menu are options like small plates, pastas, mains, vegetables and desserts. We recommend the bucatini, spanned crab and smoked trout roe pasta option, which comes with a generous serving of shredded crab meat.

81 Club St, Singapore 069449

Situated at Shaw Centre, Elan is all about modern French cuisine with Asian influences. The 48-seater space features understated tones of copper, brown and gold, and is perfect as a classy date location with an approachable setting. Chef de Cuisine Peter Teo also tenured at Les Amis, Bistro Du Vin and Batard in Hong Kong. Main courses include a variety of meat and seafood options, including A4- and M9- graded wagyu, pigeon, and tilefish. Elan’s innovative starters are worth checking out too. We’re eyeing the foie gras bonbon, a foie gras terrine dome in dark chocolate, coated over toasted brioche.

1 Scotts Rd, #01 - 13 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208

This tasting menu-only restaurant by chef-owner Malcolm Lee of Candlenut fame definitely wins points ambience-wise, being located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The branding is ‘Straits cuisine through a contemporary lens’, so one can expect a twist on traditional Peranakan dishes.

Menus are seasonal, with an eight-course lunch costing $198 ++, and dinner priced at $258++. The wine programme also includes a diverse selection of well-regarded classics, as well as niche varieties from emerging regions.

Gallop Road Gallop Entrance, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 259015

Chef Gaggan Anand first opened this restaurant in Bangkok back in 2020, and has now brought it to our shores. The brand story is pretty apt for Valentine ’s Day too −a fictional love story between a Mexican girl and Indian boy, translating into eclectic menu blending both cuisines.

You’ll find dishes like cold curry ceviche, spicy crunchy okra and truffle quesadilla. Decor-wise, think rustic whimsy, with rattan lampshades, traditional saree fabrics hanging from the ceiling, as well as pampas grass lining the walls.

43 Craig Rd, Singapore 089681

As far as romantic settings go, it’s hard to argue that contemporary Spanish restaurant Una takes the cake. After all, it’s housed in the historic colonial-style Alkaff Mansion. The contemporary menu features a mix of authentic signature delicacies from the South and heartier fare from the North of Spain. Highlights from the popular tapas selection include pan-seared Hokkaido scallops with chorizo paste, as well as squid ink Spanish noodle paella. We’re feeling hungry already.

10 Telok Blangah Green, Level 2, Singapore 109178

This article was originally published in Female.